President Muhammadu Buhari on Wednesday approved the established of a new Army Division in Sokoto and brigades in Zamfara and Katsina States to check rising spate of armed banditry in the areas.
DAILY NIGERIAN reports that the decision was taken at the Security Council Meeting with heads of security agencies in the country.
Addressing State House reporters after the meeting, the minister of Defense, Mansur Dan’Ali, said wide-ranging security issues were discussed at the meeting.
He also disclosed that Mr Buhari had approved $1billion for procurement of arms.
“Our leader, President Muhammadu Buhari gave approval for the purchase of more equipment for the military, worth one billion dollars.
“This is a normal meeting of security agencies in the country. As usual, we discussed the current activities that affected most of the states in the federation like Taraba, Zamfara and other states.
“Well, as usual we have operationalised a Division in Sokoto, there will be a Brigade in Katsina and another Brigade in Zamfara that will take care of the security situation in that area.
“The strength of security personnel has increased including the Air Force additional quick response group, they have added enough manpower in that area,” he said.
According to him, the military is already combing some parts of Taraba State and some weapons have been recovered from civilians.
On the remaining Dapchi schoolgirl (Leah Sharibu) in Boko Haram captivity, Dan-Ali said, “Well, we are making all available efforts to see that the girl is returned safely.”
The Chief of Defence Staff, Gabriel Olanishakin, Service Chiefs, Directors-Generals of Department of State Service and National Intelligence Agency, NIA, Lawal Daura and Ahmed Rufa’i respectively attended the meeting.
